FRESH PERSPECTIVES IN UNUSUAL ANGLES

Open, Adjudicated Art Exhibit “Unusual Angles” Invites Fresh Perspectives

We are pleased to announce our upcoming Open, Adjudicated Art Exhibit, themed “Unusual Angles”, a winter exhibition that invites artists to look again—and with a fresh perspective. Taking place this winter at Art Gallery Kimberley and online with a Parallel Exhibit at Centre 64, the exhibit will feature a range of artistic interpretations that challenge perspective, reveal the unexpected, and invite viewers to see familiar subjects from new points of view.

Open to artists from the Kootenays and beyond, “Unusual Angles” encourages creative exploration and originality across all visual art disciplines. The exhibit offers artists the opportunity to show their artworks in a professional gallery setting, connect with new audiences, and participate in an adjudicated exhibition with awards and public engagement.

A Platform for Creative Exploration

The annual open exhibit was created to offer artists more access to exhibition opportunities during the quieter winter months. An open, adjudicated show allows us to welcome a broad range of artists into the gallery and gives visitors a chance to experience an exciting mix of styles, media, and perspectives. With “Unusual Angles”, we’re inviting artists to surprise us—conceptually, visually, or both.

Selected artworks will be on display in the gallery, while all participating artists will be featured in an online gallery and webshop with a parallel art exhibit at Centre 64, ensuring strong visibility throughout the exhibition period.

A Rewarding Experience for Artists

Participating artists benefit from:

• Being part of a vibrant celebration of visual art and The Kootenays region.

• Guaranteed inclusion in an online gallery and webshop for one month.

• The opportunity for an in-gallery exhibition.

• Connection with collectors, fellow artists, and art enthusiasts.

• Eligibility for multiple awards.

One of the greatest joys is discovering new artists and seeing how differently each person responds to the same theme. The challenge of fitting a wide range of artworks into the gallery—while doing each piece justice—is part of the fun.

Awards & Adjudication

The exhibit features three awards:

• The Kootenay Art Prize.

• The Inspiration Award.

• The Peoples’ Choice Award.

In keeping with our inclusive approach, adjudicators will shortlist artworks selected for in-gallery display, with award recipients determined through a combination of adjudication, random draw, and public voting. This structure ensures that every participating artist has a genuine chance to be recognized, while also inviting the community to take part through the Peoples’ Choice Award, voted on in the gallery.

Meet the Adjudicators

• Sam Millard (Kimberley, BC) – UK-born, Canada-based painter whose award-winning practice spans various mediums with ventures into sculptural work, grounded in formal art education in the UK and refined by years of professional experience, mixing abstraction and recognizable form inspired by Cubism, Futurism, and the landscapes of British Columbia.

• Michael Hepher (Fernie, BC) – an interdisciplinary artist and founder of Clawhammer Press whose professional practice spans oil painting, printmaking, and illustration, using layered texture, distinctive colour, and a keen eye for perspective to reveal fresh ways of seeing the landscapes and everyday moments of Western Canada, with work held in collections worldwide.

• Irma de Visser (Kimberley, BC) – Owner of Art Gallery Kimberley and passionate advocate for the arts.

Join the Experience

The public is warmly invited to experience “Unusual Angles” in person at Art Gallery Kimberley and online throughout the exhibition period. A parallel exhibit at Centre 64 will feature additional artworks not included in the main gallery selection, further expanding the reach of the show.

The exhibition will conclude with a closing reception and awards celebration on Friday, February 27 from 6 - 8 pm, offering artists and visitors a chance to connect and celebrate the creativity on display.

This winter, shift your perspective and discover art from “Unusual Angles” at Art Gallery Kimberley and Centre 64!